“What we are seeing in other countries is a sharp rise in the use of e-cigarettes by children and young people," Mrs Skinner said.

“There is no conclusive evidence that e-cigarettes help people to quit smoking but there is concern that e-cigarettes pose potential risks to children, which is why the Bill we introduce today is so important.”

E-cigarettes sometimes contain nicotine without nicotine being declared on the label.

Penalties would apply of $11,000 for an individual selling an e–cigarette product to a person under 18 years of age and $55,000 for a corporation. Higher penalties of $55,000 for an individual and $110,000 for a corporation would be set for repeat offences.